NATO Commander: Croatia becoming increasingly important ally

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe and commander of U.S. forces in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, said Croatia's rapid military modernization and combat experience are making it an increasingly important pillar of the Alliance.

In an interview with HRT on Wednesday, General Grynkewich said Croatia's contribution to collective security is "a real benefit for the entire Alliance," praising the country's growing military capabilities and describing it as stronger than ever before.

He also thanked Croatia for its continued support for Ukraine.

Grynkewich said his meetings with President Zoran Milanović and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić were highly productive.

"We had a very productive meeting. In fact, it lasted twice as long as planned, which shows how committed your country is to NATO and how committed we as an alliance are to defending every inch of NATO territory."

Asked how Croatia's newly acquired military equipment will strengthen its role within NATO, Grynkewich pointed to the country's combat experience.

"Croatia has an extremely experienced military. You have leaders with real combat experience and operational knowledge gained from your own conflicts and from missions with the Alliance. These new capabilities will further strengthen your contribution to NATO, benefiting our collective security."

On higher defense spending across NATO, Grynkewich said even smaller member states can meet the Alliance's targets.

"Everyone must do their part, even smaller countries like Croatia, which can make a significant contribution."

Discussing the latest military aid package for Ukraine, he said the funding could be used for direct assistance, purchases of European-made equipment, or programs allowing European allies to acquire U.S. military equipment for Ukraine.

Responding to questions about U.S. commitment to NATO following comments by President Donald Trump, Grynkewich dismissed any doubts about the Alliance's unity.

"President Trump appointed me as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and as long as I serve in this role, I will do everything I can to defend the Alliance and all 32 member states."

He added that NATO's Article 5 remains the cornerstone of collective defense and said its importance was reaffirmed in the declaration adopted at the Alliance summit in Ankara.